Greens announce Keith Parsons for Newcastle Ward 3 line-up

Newcastle Greens today announced that former Newcastle Greens councillor Keith Parsons will stand in the No.1 spot on The Greens ticket for Ward 3 in the September Newcastle council election, replacing Fee Mozeley, who recently indicated her withdrawal as a candidate for personal reasons.

Announcing the change, Newcastle Greens Lord Mayoral candidate John Sutton said that it demonstrated the depth of talent and experience from which The Greens were able to draw in Newcastle.

“Of course, we’re disappointed to lose Fee as a candidate, though we entirely understand her reasons for withdrawing, and we’re very pleased that she will continue to play a central role in our council election campaign.

“But we’re excited to have Keith as one of our lead candidates, and it’s a testimony to the strength and depth of talent in The Greens that we have someone of his calibre – with his extensive experience in local government, planning, and heritage, and his local networks and active involvement in community organisations and campaigns – who is able and willing to step up to fill such a role,” Mr Sutton said.

Mr Parsons said that he was pleased and honoured to be The Greens candidate for Ward 3 again.

“I’m familiar with the ward, having been a Ward 3 Greens councillor from 2004-08, and having worked in Ward 3 for 28 years as a secondary science teacher.

“Like many in the community, I’m dismayed about the climate of secrecy and the lack of genuine community participation that have evolved over the current council term, and I want to be part of giving the new council a much more community-friendly, open and transparent culture.

“I’m looking forward to facing the economic, planning, social and environmental challenges that both Ward 3 and Newcastle Local Government Area face, and applying The Greens principles of grassroots democracy, ecological sustainability and social and economic justice to Council decision-making,” he said.

Ms Mozeley said she was delighted that Mr Parsons was able to take her place as the No.1 Ward 3 candidate.

“I want to express my thanks and congratulations to Keith on becoming the Ward 3 candidate.

“It was a difficult decision for me to withdraw, but it was the best decision in the bigger scheme of things, given my current studies and family commitments.

“Keith’s depth of experience in Ward 3 and his commitment to Greens principles will be an enormous asset to the council campaign,” Ms Mozeley said.

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For more information or comment, please contact Keith Parsons (Greens lead candidate for Ward 3), on 4926 5301 or 0447 611 066.